Twice-baked Potatoes with Savory Green Sauce

Twice-baked Potatoes with Savory Green Sauce Recipe | Delicious Vegetarian Dish

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Twice-baked Potatoes with Savory Green Sauce

Twice-baked potatoes are a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner party. The combination of fluffy mashed potatoes and a crispy potato skin makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. In this recipe, we will be adding a twist by serving the potatoes with a savory green sauce that adds a burst of flavor and freshness.

History

Twice-baked potatoes have been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades. The origins of the recipe are unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional stuffed potato dishes from various cultures. The process of baking the potatoes twice allows for a crispy exterior and a creamy interior, making it a favorite among many.

Ingredients

6 large baking potatoes, scrubbed, patted dry, and pierced several times with a fork
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup milk or half-and-half
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Savory green sauce

2 garlic cloves, peeled
0.5 cup yogurt or sour cream
1 tsp freshly grated horseradish root, or use prepared horseradish
2 cups mixed cooking greens and herbs, such as a combination of fresh spinach, young kale, or mustard greens

How to prepare

Position the oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet.
Bake the potatoes until they are tender, about 1 hour.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving the potato skin shells.
Mash the potato flesh with the butter and milk, and season with salt and pepper.
Refill the potato shells and, if necessary, return them to the oven to keep warm.
In the meantime, prepare the sauce.

Savory green sauce

Fit a food processor with the metal blade.
With the machine running, mince the garlic by dropping it through the feed tube.
Add the yogurt and horseradish to the food processor and pulse to combine.
Add the greens and process until they are puréed.
Serve the hot potatoes with the sauce on the side.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add different herbs and spices to the mashed potatoes, such as chives, garlic powder, or paprika. You can also experiment with different types of greens in the sauce, such as spinach, kale, or arugula. Get creative and make this dish your own!

Notes

There may be nothing quite as satisfying as a buttered potato, but this tangy sauce is exceptionally good, and can be put into service as a dip for crudités. Use whatever greens are abundant in your garden — the combination here is only a suggestion.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your twice-baked potatoes turn out perfectly, make sure to bake the potatoes until they are tender before scooping out the flesh. This will make it easier to mash the potatoes and create a smooth texture. Additionally, be sure to season the potatoes well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. For the green sauce, feel free to adjust the amount of horseradish to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Twice-baked potatoes with savory green sauce can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also top the potatoes with crispy bacon or shredded cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect twice-baked potatoes is to bake the potatoes until they are tender, then scoop out the flesh and mash it with butter and milk. Be sure to season the potatoes well with salt and pepper before refilling the potato shells. For the green sauce, be sure to purée the greens until they are smooth and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mustard greens on hand, you can use spinach, kale, or arugula in the green sauce. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a tangy twist. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potatoes and green sauce ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Simply bake the potatoes, scoop out the flesh, and prepare the green sauce, then store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to finish the dish. This is a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish look extra special, garnish the potatoes with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, before serving. You can also drizzle the green sauce over the potatoes in a decorative pattern for a beautiful presentation. Serve the potatoes on a platter with a sprinkle of paprika or smoked salt for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Twice-baked potatoes with savory green sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken for a hearty meal. You can also pair it with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, you can store the potatoes and green sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Reheat the green sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady source of energy. The addition of the green sauce adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, making this a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fat per serving. The butter and sour cream add richness and flavor to the dish, while the greens provide a dose of healthy fats. Be mindful of portion sizes to keep the fat content in check.

Proteins

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 5 grams of protein. While potatoes are not a significant source of protein, the addition of the green sauce adds a bit of protein to the meal. Consider serving this dish with a protein-rich side dish or topping it with grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Twice-baked potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. The addition of mustard greens in the green sauce provides a boost of vitamins A, K, and C, as well as folate and calcium. This dish is a great way to incorporate a variety of nutrients into your diet.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of butter and sour cream. If you have a dairy allergy or intolerance, you can substitute dairy-free alternatives such as vegan butter and coconut yogurt. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are safe for your dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced and nutritious meal that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The addition of the green sauce provides a boost of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying option for any occasion.

Summary

Twice-baked potatoes with savory green sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. The creamy mashed potatoes and crispy potato skins are complemented by the fresh and tangy green sauce, making it a flavorful and nutritious meal. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side dish, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Twice-baked Potatoes with Savory Green Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. My family didn't have much money, but we always made do with what we had. My mother was a fantastic cook, and she taught me everything I know about cooking.

One day, a kind old woman came to our house with a basket full of fresh vegetables from her garden. She had a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face as she handed me a bunch of green onions and a handful of fresh herbs. "These are for you, dear," she said. "I thought you might enjoy them in your cooking."

I was thrilled with the gift and immediately set to work in the kitchen, trying to come up with a recipe that would showcase the fresh ingredients. As I browsed through my mother's old recipe book, I came across a recipe for Twice-baked Potatoes with Savory Green Sauce. It sounded delicious, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I followed the recipe carefully, baking the potatoes until they were tender and then scooping out the insides to make room for the filling. I mashed the potato flesh with butter, sour cream, and grated cheese, then stuffed it back into the potato skins. While the potatoes baked for a second time, I made the green sauce by blending the green onions, herbs, and a splash of cream in a food processor until it was smooth and creamy.

When the potatoes were golden and crispy on the outside, I spooned the green sauce over the top and served them piping hot to my family. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was intoxicating, and we all dug in eagerly.

The first bite was a revelation. The potatoes were creamy and cheesy, with a hint of tanginess from the sour cream. The green sauce added a fresh, herbaceous note that complemented the richness of the potatoes perfectly. My family couldn't get enough, and we devoured the entire batch in no time.

From that day on, Twice-baked Potatoes with Savory Green Sauce became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over, I would make a big batch to share with them, and they always raved about how delicious they were. I even entered the recipe in a local cooking competition and won first prize!

As the years went by, I continued to make the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I would add a sprinkle of bacon or a handful of chives for a different twist. But no matter how I changed it, the basic recipe remained the same - a comforting, satisfying dish that never failed to impress.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the scent of roasting potatoes and simmering herbs, I can't help but think back to that fateful day when I first discovered the magic of Twice-baked Potatoes with Savory Green Sauce. It's a recipe that has brought me joy and comfort throughout the years, and I know it will continue to do so for many more to come. And for that, I am truly grateful.